Interactive media device

ABSTRACT

An interactive media device comprises a remote control interface that receives a wireless signal from a corresponding remote control with an emergency button. A controller decodes the wireless signal to determine if the user has pressed a button of the remote control to operate an associated television or if the user has pressed the emergency button on the remote control. If the user has pressed a button of the remote control to operate the associated television, then a television interface that issues an instruction based on the wireless signal to the associated television. However, if the user has pressed the emergency button, a medical emergency interface that issues an alert to a local or remote response unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/119,225, filed Aug. 31, 2018, entitled INTERACTIVE MEDIA DEVICE, nowallowed, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/171,295, filed Jun. 2, 2016, entitled INTERACTIVE MEDIA DEVICE, nowissued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,068,460, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/171,234, filed Jun. 4, 2015,entitled INTERACTIVE MEDIA DEVICE, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to electronic systems that function as aninterface between a user and distributed media resources, includingentertainment resources, communication resources, medical resources, andinformational resources.

As technology advances, it is becoming more difficult for selectdemographics of individuals to access, use, and enjoy the benefits ofmedia sources, such as those available over the Internet, viatelevision, telephone, etc. For instance, the elderly, disabledindividuals, and persons receiving physical therapy may all havelimitations that affect their enjoyment of conventional media products.Moreover, economic realities limit the ability of many individuals tothoroughly enjoy available media sources, including access to theInternet, television, telephone, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present disclosure, an interactive mediadevice is disclosed. The interactive media device, which can beimplemented for example, in the form factor of a set-top box, comprisesa remote control interface, a medical emergency interface, a televisioninterface, and a network interface. The remote control interfacereceives wirelessly transmitted signals from a corresponding remotecontrol. Moreover, the remote control interface is configured to receivea first wireless command issued from the remote control in response to auser selection of an emergency button on the remote control, and asecond wireless command issued from the remote control in response tothe user selection of at least one television station selection buttonon the remote control.

The medical emergency interface issues an alert over the network to amedical response unit, where the alert is issued responsive to receiptof the first wireless command by the remote control interface.

The television interface issues instructions to an associated televisionreceiver to select a channel according to previously programmed favoritechannel options, responsive to receipt of the second wireless command bythe remote control interface.

The network interface communicably couples the device to a remote mediaservice provider via a network, wherein the network interface enablesthe remote media service provider to program customized functionality ofthe alert by the medical emergency interface and customized televisionchannel options of the television interface of the device on behalf of auser.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a devicecomprises a remote control interface, a medical emergency interface, atelevision interface, a network interface, a monitor interface, and acontroller. The remote control interface receives wirelessly transmittedsignals from a corresponding remote control. Moreover, the remotecontrol interface is configured to receive a first wireless commandissued from the remote control in response to a user selection of anemergency button on the remote control, and a second wireless commandissued from the remote control in response to the user selection of atleast one television station selection button on the remote control.

The medical emergency interface issues an alert over the network to amedical response unit, where the alert is issued responsive to receiptof the first wireless command by the remote control interface.

The television interface issues instructions to an associated televisionreceiver to select a channel according to previously programmed favoritechannel options, responsive to receipt of the second wireless command bythe remote control interface.

The network interface communicably couples the device to a remote mediaservice provider via a network. The network interface enables the remotemedia service provider to program customized functionality of the devicefor the user, including programming the alert and programming thefavorite channel options on behalf of a user.

The monitor interface electronically communicates across the network viathe network interface.

The controller is connected to the remote control interface, the medicalemergency interface, the television interface, the network interface,and the monitor interface, to control operation of the device.

According to yet further aspects of the present disclosure, a devicecomprises a remote control interface, a controller, a televisioninterface, a medical emergency interface, and a network interface. Theremote control interface receives a wireless signal from a correspondingremote control, the remote control having an emergency button that uponactuation, causes the remote control to issue a first wireless commandas the wireless signal.

The controller is electronically connected to the remote controlinterface. The controller decodes a representation of the wirelesssignal received by the remote control interface to determine select oneof whether the user has pressed the emergency button by identifying thefirst wireless command, and whether a user has pressed a button of theremote control to control an associated television.

The television interface is electronically connected to the controller.The television interface issues an instruction to the associatedtelevision in response to the controller determining that the user haspressed a button of the remote control to control the associatedtelevision. The instruction is based on a translation of the wirelesssignal to a corresponding television adjustment command.

The medical emergency interface is also electronically connected to thecontroller. The medical emergency interface issues an alert in responseto the controller determining that the user has pressed the emergencybutton.

The network interface communicably couples the device to a remote mediaservice provider via a network. The network interface enables a remotemedia service provider to access the device and program customizedfunctions of the device on behalf of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system that provides interactive media toan interactive media device, according to aspects of the presentdisclosure herein;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a device that serves as an interactivemedia device, according to aspects of the present disclosure herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary remote control for interacting with theinteractive media device of FIG. 2, according to aspects of the presentdisclosure herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates a computer-implemented process of programming aremote control for interaction with the interactive media device of FIG.2, according to aspects of the present disclosure herein; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer processing system capable ofimplementing any of the systems, computer-implemented processes, orsubsets thereof, as described more fully herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, systems, andcomputer implemented processes are provided, which facilitate auser-friendly, interactive interface between a user and distributedmedia resources, including entertainment resources, communicationresources, medical resources, and informational resources. Moreparticularly, an interactive media device is provided, (e.g., which maytake the form factor of a television set-top box), that serves as amedia aggregator. For instance, the interactive media device serves as auser interface, connecting local hardware technologies, which mayinclude television, telephone, remote control, medical and othermonitoring devices, etc., to a computer network. In this regard, theinteractive media device forms a special purpose processing device thatis distinct and different from a general purpose computer.

The interactive media device also connects remote resources to the user,e.g., via network access. Example resources include televisionprogramming, telephone services, Internet browsing, medical resources,etc. Still further, support, maintenance, programming of capabilitiesand features, and other services can be administered remotely, e.g.,from a suitable service provider. Also, in addition to aggregating mediaresources, the content is organized and presented in a mannerfacilitating an enjoyable user experience when interacting with theinteractive media device. Still further, support can be provided in arobust manner, facilitating a concierge for technology needs of theusers.

In this manner, aspects of the present disclosure improve technologiesincluding machine-to-machine control and interfacing, andwireless-to-Internet bridging. In particular, aspects herein address thetechnical problem integrating multiple, distinct and independent mediasystems into a single, hand-held wireless remote that interacts with aninteractive media device. The technical problem is solved with atechnical solution that provides a controller in a single interactivemedia device that interacts with the wireless remote control to manageindependent media streams. The technical solution herein brings aboutmultiple technical effects, including automated health metricintegration and conveyance in a media delivery platform that is easy tooperate, and that can be remotely managed.

System Overview:

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, a generaldiagram of a computer system 100 is illustrated according to variousaspects of the present disclosure. The illustrated computer system 100is a special purpose (particular) system that operates using mediadevices that link users to media resources that are distributedthroughout local environments and throughout remote environments. Themedia resources can include physical hardware devices, softwareexecuting on one or more physical hardware device(s), information, andother forms of media, as set out in greater detail herein.

The computer system 100 comprises a plurality of hardware processingdevices (designated generally by the reference 102) that are linkedtogether by one or more network(s) (designated generally by thereference 104). In general, a processing device 102 can be implementedas a transactional system, purpose-driven appliance, special purposecomputing device and/or other device capable of communicating over thenetwork 104. Other types of processing devices 102 include for example,personal data assistant (PDA) processors, palm computers, cellulardevices including cellular mobile telephones and smart telephones andtablet computers. The processing devices 102 can also comprise netbookcomputers, notebook computers, personal computers and servers.

The network(s) 104 provides communications links between the variousprocessing devices 102 and may be supported by networking components 106that interconnect the processing devices 102, including for example,routers, hubs, firewalls, network interfaces, wired or wirelesscommunications links and corresponding interconnections. Moreover, thenetwork(s) 104 may comprise connections using one or more intranets,extranets, local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), wirelessnetworks (WiFi), the Internet, including the world wide web, cellularand/or other arrangements for enabling communication between theprocessing devices 102, in either real time or otherwise (e.g., via timeshifting, batch processing, etc.).

In this regard, certain processing devices 102 provide resourcesavailable across the network 104 (e.g., the Internet). By way ofexample, certain processing devices 102 can serve as media resources(e.g., by hosting websites that provide access to television programming(e.g., satellite dish), online shopping, email and messaging, onlineinformation, and other sources of content), as will be described ingreater detail herein.

In certain implementations, the network 104 also supportstelephone/network conversion technologies. For instance, as illustrated,an Internet to phone bridge 108 converts signals between communicationssystems 110 (including corresponding devices 112 such as land-linetelephones and/or cellular/smart telephones), and the network 104. Forinstance, the Internet to phone bridge 108 can convert between cellular,PBX, public switched telephone network (PSTN), etc., and TCP/IP or otherdesired network protocol. This ability facilitates communication usingvoice over Internet protocol (VOIP) and other technologies forvoice-based communication.

The system 100 also includes a media service provider 114. The mediaservice provider 114 is a special type of processing device 102, e.g., aserver-based system (e.g., a web server, file server, and/or otherprocessing device, combinations thereof, etc.) that supports interactivemedia devices, e.g., through subscription services to content. Contentcan include for example, one or more of television programming,telephone services, access to the network 104 (including the Internet),access to concierge services (e.g., support for the technology needs ofusers), access to medical resources and other forms of media, and accessto a digital video recorder (DVR). The media service provider 114 alsoperforms administrative, programming, and support services necessary tosupport interactive media devices and users of interactive mediadevices, as will be described more fully herein.

Also, the system 100 includes a particular type of processing device 102implemented as a medical records repository 116, which communicates withother processing devices 102 across the network 104. For instance, themedical records repository 116 may be implemented as a cloud basedservice provider that stores, maintains, and collects at least one ofmedical data, clinical data, and health data, about individuals. Thedata can come from multiple sources, including the user, from one ormore health providers, etc. In practice, there may actually be multiplemedical records repositories 116 in communication with the system 100.

Still further, the system 100 includes a particular type of processingdevice 102 implemented as a medical response unit 118, whichcommunicates with other processing devices 102 across the network 104.The medical response unit 118 is a processing device that communicateswith the interactive media devices as will be set out in greater detailherein for emergency situations. For instance, the medical response unit118 may comprise a communication device at a nurse station, hospital,emergency response unit, local care provider, health monitoring company,etc. Moreover, the communication between an interactive media device andthe medical response unit 118 may cross multiple domains, such as theInternet, cellular, telephone, etc.

Moreover, the system 100 includes an interactive media device 120.Although only one instance of the interactive media device 120 is shownfor clarity and conciseness of discussion, in practice, each subscriberof the media service provider 114 would have at least one interactivemedia device 120. The interactive media devices 120 provide the userinterface to the system 100. For instance, as illustrated, theinteractive media device 120 communicates with other processing devices102 (including the internet to phone bridge 108, media service provider114, medical record repository 116, medical response unit 118, etc.)across the network 104.

The interactive media device 120 also communicates with local hardwaredevices. For instance, the interactive media device couples locally to atelevision 122. This allows television programming, including highdefinition television, satellite programming, pay-per-view programming,and other sources of viewing content to be communicated from a contentprovider (including a network based content provider), e.g., one of theprocessing device 102 to the television 122 (e.g., to provide IP basedtelevision). In this regard, the interactive media device 120 can alsocommunicate with other television devices, such as a satellite dish,digital video recorder, etc.

The interactive media device also communicates a remote control 124. Theremote control 124 provides numerous specific features, includingfeatures not typical of remote controls. For instance, the remotecontrol 124 includes a nurse call button that interfaces through theinteractive media device 120 to contact a suitable medical response unit118. The specific routing of information in response to pressing thenurse call button will depend upon the specific application. By way ofexample, in an assisted living community, the nurse call button maytrigger a local, on-site nurse or other emergency response technician toattend to the individual. The nurse call button may also contactrelatives, doctors, emergency responders, local law enforcement, orother desired source that receives a communication from the medicalresponse device 118.

For instance, in an example implementation, the interactive media device120 includes memory and a rules engine that controls who is contacted inresponse to actuation of the nurse call button. In further examples,such memory and rules can be stored remotely, e.g., in a data storagedevice hosted by the media service provider 114.

The interactive media device 120 can also communicate with a monitoringdevice 126. For instance, in certain implementations, individuals havevital information collected locally, e.g., based upon wired or wirelessweight scales, heart rate monitors, glucose monitors, or otherdevice(s). Such monitoring device(s) 126 communicate via wired orwireless connection to the interactive media device 120, which cancommunicate the collected data to a corresponding resource, such as themedical record repository 116. As such, updated locally monitored ormeasured information, e.g., clinical and health based information, iscollected and maintained in an up to date, and integrated manner.

Moreover, the medical record repository 116 or other processing deviceof the system 100 can push information, commands, instructions or otherinformation back to the interactive media device 120 and/or monitoringdevice(s) 126. For instance, the interactive media device 120 canreceive push notifications for display on the television 122, e.g.,reminders to take medications, announcements of incoming telephonecalls, emails, or other communications, play back rehabilitation orexercise videos from a health provider communicating across the network104, etc.

The interactive media device 120 can also communicate with a localtelephone 128. This allows a local telephone 128 (e.g., landline,cellular, etc.), to communicate over the internet, e.g., via VOIP usingthe internet to phone bridge 108 or other suitable technology.

Yet further, the interactive media device 120 can provide otherfeatures, such as onscreen caller ID, by combining capability of atelephone interface with a television interface. Also, the interactivemedia device 120 can include hearing impaired capability, such as voicemail transcription capabilities.

The television 122 may be any standard television with a channelreceiver and speakers and can be controlled by a signal from theinteractive media device 120 (via the remote control 124) to changechannels, volume, etc. The signal from the interactive media device 120to the television 122 may be wired or wireless (e.g., RF, infrared,Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc.). Further, the television 122 may includeadditional features such as a built-in digital video recorder (DVR), andthe signal from the interactive media device 120 may control the DVR aswell. On the other hand, the television 122 may merely be a display withor without speakers. In this case, the television 122 just displaysvideo from a video feed supplied to the television 122 via a signal fromthe interactive media device 120. Further, if the television hasspeakers, then the television may emit audio from an audio inputsupplied to the television 122 via the signal from the interactive mediadevice 120. Thus, the television 122 may range from a display device toa full-fledged television with built in accessories. Variouscombinations of the interactive media device 120, the television 122,the remote control 124, the monitoring device(s) 126, and the telephone128 may be used to implement an interactive media system 130.

Moreover, the features and capabilities of the interactive media device120 are setup, controlled, programmed, or otherwise maintained by themedia service provider server 114. For instance, a representative at themedia service provider 114 can reset the interactive media device 120,change, alter, update, downgrade, provide content or messaging to, etc.,the interactive media device 120. In certain applications, the mediaservice provider 114 can access features of the interactive media system130 down to the remote control 124 and other features of the interactivemedia system 130.

Still further, the interactive media device 120 includes a controllerthat implements a graphical user interface that can be displayed on thetelevision 122. The graphical user interface allows the user to navigatethe features made available by the media service provider server 114.For instance, a user can interact via the graphical user interface forselecting and using available features, including televisionprogramming, on-line communication (e.g., e-mail, messaging, etc.),website browsing, Internet searching, medical/clinical interactions, andother capabilities controlled through the interactive media device 120.In this regard, the media service provider 114 can control the graphicaluser interface to make the available capabilities of the interactivemedia interface easy for the operator to navigate and use, e.g., bysetting appropriate fonts, font size, organization, control flow, etc.

In an example implementation, a customized graphical user interfaceprovides menus that the user can navigate to access media providedthrough the media service provider 114. For instance, a user navigates aset of icon-based menu items to watch television, place telephone callsby combining telephone and television capabilities or access networkbased resources. Network based resources can include accessentertainment, preconfigured options to discover features happeningaround the user's community, browse community services, browse communitydining and food, interact with a calendar, set up calendar basedreminders, e.g., for birthdays, anniversaries, appointments, etc.,schedule personal care appointments (e.g., hair appointments, drycleaners, etc.), discover educational resources, browse the Internet,send emails or otherwise communicate, access social media, etc.

Moreover, the graphical user interface can provide a virtual (graphical)version of the emergency nurse call button (e.g., to communicate withthe medical response unit 118).

Still further, the graphical user interface can provide predeterminedsets of information to the user, such as time, date, weather,temperature, etc. Moreover, the graphical user interface can providerecommendations to the user of the interactive media device 120, e.g.,to recommend restaurants, programming, shopping, etc. For instance, thecontroller of the interactive media device 120 can include a processorcoupled to memory that executes computer code to implement a web browserthat supports queries, which can be preprogrammed or customizablethrough the graphical user interface, e.g., by interacting with theinteractive media device 120 using a suitable input device, e.g., akeyboard, the remote control, etc.

Yet further, in certain implementations, the graphical user interfacecan provide a direct communication path to the media service provider114, e.g., to upgrade, downgrade, change, services and features, gettechnical support, concierge services, help, medical help or otherresources.

Example Interactive Media Device

According to aspects of the present disclosure, an interactive mediadevice comprises a controller, a remote control interface, a televisioninterface, and a medical emergency interface. The remote controlinterface receives a wireless signal from a corresponding remotecontrol. In this example configuration, the remote control is a specialcontroller that includes an emergency button. Upon user actuation of theemergency button, the remote control issues a wireless signal having afirst wireless command embedded therein. That is, the remote controlissues the first wireless command as the wireless signal, which isreceived by the remote control interface of the interactive mediadevice.

Additionally, the controller is electronically connected to the remotecontrol interface. The controller decodes a representation of thewireless signal received by the remote control interface to determinewhether the user has pressed the emergency button by identifying thefirst wireless command, or whether a user has pressed a button of theremote control to control an associated television.

The interactive media device also includes a television interfaceelectronically connected to the controller. Here, the televisioninterface issues an instruction to the associated television in responseto the controller determining that the user has pressed a button of theremote control to control the associated television. In this exampleconfiguration, the instruction is based on a translation of the wirelesssignal to a corresponding television adjustment command. Moreover, amedical emergency interface is electronically connected to thecontroller. The medical emergency interface issues an alert in responseto the controller determining that the user has pressed the emergencybutton.

In an example configuration, assume the controller determines that auser has pressed a button of the remote control to control thetelevision. In response thereto, the controller is operative to map thewireless signal received by the remote control interface into ananalogous instruction to control the television. The instruction is thencommunicated from the controller to the television interface.

Moreover, the device includes an emergency medical record interface(e.g., in addition to or in lieu of the medical emergency interface)that is electronically connected to the controller. In thisconfiguration, the emergency medical record interface furtherelectronically communicates with an emergency medical record repository.In this configuration, the controller is operative to implement uponcommand, operations to cause medical record information to be extractedfrom the emergency medical record repository via the emergency medicalrecord interface for presentation on a display screen of the associatedtelevision via the television interface.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a block diagram shows an example implementationof the interactive media device 220. The interactive media device 220includes all of the features and capabilities of the interactive mediadevice 120 of FIG. 1. As such, the disclosure of the interactive mediadevice 120 is applicable to the interactive media device 220 of FIG. 2.

As shown, the interactive media device 220 comprises several optionalinterfaces: a wireless remote control interface 230, a televisioninterface 232, a monitor interface 234 (also referred to herein as anemergency medical resource (EMR) interface, a medical emergencyinterface 236, a network interface 238, and a telephone interface 240(wired, cellular, or both). The interactive media device 220 alsoincludes a controller 242, which is electronically connected, and thuscommunicably coupled, to each of the wireless remote control interface230, television interface 232, monitor interface 234, medical emergencyinterface 236, network interface 238, and telephone interface 240. Otherinterfaces may also be provided, e.g., depending upon the local and/orremote communication strategies that are deployed. Moreover, theinterfaces described more fully herein include logical interfacesconfigured such that the functionality of the interactive media device220 can be fully explained in the description herein. In practice, twoor more interfaces may be integrated and/or share one or more hardwarecomponents. Moreover, in practical implementations, an interactive mediadevice 220 can be implemented with any combination of one or more of thedescribed interfaces.

Remote Control Interface

The remote control interface 230 receives a wireless signal from theremote control (124, FIG. 1). Any wireless protocol may be used totransmit the signal from the remote control to the remote controlinterface 230 (e.g., infrared, radio, Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc.).Regardless, the remote control interface 230 includes the necessaryphysical hardware to communicate with, e.g., receive commands from theassociated remote control. The remote control interface 230 includeshardware circuitry necessary to buffer, store, and communicaterepresentations of the received remote control commands to thecontroller 242.

In an example implementation, each button on the remote control ismapped to at least one wireless signal having a value corresponding to awireless command. In example configurations, each function on the remotecontrol maps to a different and unique value of the wireless signal.Moreover, the controller understands the mapping between the wirelesssignal values and the corresponding remote control functions. As such,the controller 242 can properly decode representations of wirelesssignals corresponding to button actuations on the remote control, andconvert the decoded representations into corresponding actions by theinteractive media device 220.

For instance, after receiving the signal, the remote control interface230 passes a representation of the signal to a controller 242. Eventhough the controller 242 is shown as a separate stand-alone entitywithin the interactive media device 220, the controller 242 may bedistributed among one or more of the several interfaces of theinteractive media device 220 as described herein.

The controller 242 receives the signal from the remote control interface230 and determines where the signal should be routed. For example, thecontroller 242 may determine whether a user has pressed a button of theremote control to operate the television (122 of FIG. 1). If so, thenthe controller 242 routes the signal to the television interface 232,which converts the signal to an instruction and issues the instructionto the television.

For example, if the user presses a “Volume Up” button on the remotecontrol, then the remote control interface 230 receives the signal fromthe remote control and sends a representation of the signal to thecontroller 242, which determines that the signal is for the television.As such, the controller routes the signal to the television interface,which converts the signal to the appropriate volume up command in thisexample.

Television Interface

In certain implementations, the television interface 232 includesphysical hardware that enables communication with the controller 242.Moreover, the television interface 232 includes hardware that integrateswith a television, e.g., via a wired or wireless connection. Forinstance, in an example configuration, the television interface 232includes a channel receiver (e.g., compatible with cable, satellite orother forms of television programming), which may be used withtelevision screens that do not include their own channel receivers. Thetelevision interface 232 can also include an input to a televisionscreen that bypasses an internal channel receiver. Still further, thetelevision interface 232 may not include a channel receiver.

For instance, programming may be provided by another source, such as asatellite dish and separate receiver, etc. In such a case, when the useradjusts the channel to be displayed on the television screen, thetelevision interface 232 supplies a direct video signal (and possibly anaudio signal) for display on the television. Moreover, the channelreceiver of the television interface 232 may be programmed to skipundesired channels so the user may cycle through only a set ofuser-favorited channels, as will be described with reference to FIG. 4.Still further, the television interface 232 may also include a DVR orother features necessary to communicate television programming to thetelevision 122. Alternatively, the television interface can beconfigured to send commands to the associated television where all audioand receiver functions of the television are handled outside of theinteractive media device 220. For instance, the television interface 232can function as a passthrough of commands from the remote control to thetelevision, of the television interface 232 can function as a converter,e.g., by converting between infrared, Bluetooth, etc., to bridge thetelevision to the remote control.

Monitor Interface

The monitor interface 234 includes hardware that enables communicationwith the controller 242. Moreover, the monitor interface 234communicably couples to local monitoring device(s) (see monitoringdevice 126 of FIG. 1) and can optionally communicate with the remote EMRrepository (116, FIG. 1). For example, if the user is hooked up to aheart monitor (i.e., an EMR-based monitoring device 126), then the heartmonitor may send a wired or wireless signal to the monitor interface 234with information about the user's heart rate. Accordingly, the monitorinterface 234 includes hardware such as a Bluetooth interface,connectors, or other necessary hardware to integrate with correspondingmonitoring device(s). The monitor interface 234, the controller 242, orboth can take responsibility to decode a signal received from anattached monitoring device 126.

The monitor interface 234 sends collected information, along withmetadata (e.g., timestamp, user ID, etc.), to the EMR repository (116,FIG. 1). In certain implementations, the EMR repository is storedlocally, in a memory device accessibly to the interactive media device220. Additionally, or in lieu of the above, the EMR repository can bestored remotely, e.g., across the Internet. Here, the monitor interface234 interface can communicate through the network interface 238 totranslate information to network packets. In yet a further example, thecollected information can be communicated to a remote EMR repository viathe telephone interface 240.

In an illustrative example, the monitor interface 234 couples to anemergency medical record repository so as to be able to access medicalrecords pertaining to the user. The monitor interface receives a medicalrecord from the emergency medical record repository via the networkinterface 238. The controller 242 then causes the television interface232 to override the content on the screen of the television to displaythe record on the television.

In other example configurations, the monitor interface 234 may requestand receive medical information from the EMR repository (116, FIG. 1) orother suitable source. For example, if a user must take a certainmedication at noon, then the EMR repository (e.g., medical recordrepository 116 of FIG. 1, media service provider 114 of FIG. 1, or othersource) can dispatch information, such as in the form of an alert totake the medication to the interactive media device 220. The monitorinterface 234 receives the medical information (directly, through thenetwork interface 238, or the telephone interface 240). The monitorinterface 234 may decode the medical record, whereupon the controller242 routes the alert to the television interface 232, which overridesthe signal to the television to display the alert (i.e., the medicalinformation) to the user. Once the user sees the reminder to take themedication, the user may perform an action to indicate that the user hastaken the medication (e.g., by pressing a menu button on the remotecontrol and navigating to a completion screen). Where implemented, theindication is received by the interactive media device 220 and can besent to an appropriate destination, e.g., to the EMR repository (e.g.,medical record repository 116 of FIG. 1).

As another example, a source having an EMR repository, e.g., medicalrecord repository 116 of FIG. 1 such as a doctor office, health websiteapplication, wellness center, rehabilitation facility, etc., may send anotification indicating that the user should step onto a scale forweighing. A user may also proactively decide to step on the scale. Inthis regard, the scale is a monitoring device 126 of FIG. 1. Asdescribed above, a message is displayed on the television, e.g., via thetelevision interface 232, which instructs the user to step onto thescale. In this example, the scale has a Bluetooth connection to themonitor interface 234. As such, once the user steps onto the scale, thescale transmits a signal to the interactive media device 220 that theuser has performed the action. The scale (or other monitoring device126) can also send other information, e.g., measurements, readings, etc.In certain implementations, the interactive media device 220 sends anindication to a destination, such as an EMR repository via the monitorinterface 234, that the user completed the action.

In yet another example, a source sends information to the interactivemedia device 220 indicating that the user should perform arehabilitation exercise. In this case, the source may also send a videoof the rehabilitation exercise, e.g., across the internet, which isreceived by the interactive media device 220, such as via the networkinterface 238, which is displayed on the television screen via thetelevision interface 232 to guide the user in the rehabilitationprocess. Further, if the television interface 232 includes a DVR, thetelevision interface 232 may automatically start recording the currentchannel while the rehabilitation exercise video is being played, so theuser does not miss a portion of the regularly scheduled televisionprogram. Moreover, if the user is watching a prerecorded program on theDVR when the rehabilitation exercise video is available, the televisioninterface may pause the prerecorded program so the user does not losehis/her place in the program.

In a still further example, a medical professional (e.g., nurse, doctor,therapist, etc.) may request the user's medical records through the EMRinterface (e.g., by pressing a menu button on the remote control andnavigating to a screen to request medical records). Then the EMRrepository sends the records to the interactive media device 220 asdescribed more fully herein, for display on the television by overridingthe television as described above.

As a few non-limiting but illustrative examples of the use of themonitor interface 234, the following examples are provided. In oneillustrative implementation, the interactive media device 220electronically couples to at least one local medical device. Here, theinteractive media device 220 receives medical information about the uservia at least one local medical device and, sends the medical informationabout the user to the emergency medical record repository, e.g., via thenetwork interface 238 or directly via the monitor interface 234.

In a further example implementation, the monitor interface 234 receivesa medical record from the emergency medical record repository. In thisexample, the received medical record indicates that the user shouldperform a task. In response thereto, the controller 242 orchestrateswith the television interface 232. In response, the television interfaceoverrides the television to display the task on the television.Moreover, the monitor interface 234 can send an indication to theemergency medical record repository that the task has been completedbased on feedback from the user. In a further example implementation,the monitor interface 234 couples to a local medical device. Assume areceived medical record indicates that the user should perform a taskusing the local medical device. Here, the controller 242 coordinateswith the television interface 232. In response, the television interface232 overrides the television to display the task on the television andthe monitor interface 234 sends an indication to the emergency medicalrecord repository that the task has been completed based on feedbackfrom the local medical device.

Also, in a particular implementation, a monitor interface 234 iselectronically connected to the controller 242, where the monitorinterface 234 couples to an emergency medical record repository 116(FIG. 1) so as to be able to access medical records pertaining to auser. By way of illustration, the controller 242 further implements agraphical user interface for the display of information on the screen ofthe associated television. In an example embodiment, the graphical userinterface is configured to provide a graphical version of the emergencybutton on the remote control, which when virtually actuated, causes thecontroller to issue an alert through the medical emergency interface.However, a virtual emergency button is not required in allimplementations.

More particularly, the monitor interface 234 receives a medical recordfrom the emergency medical record repository via the network interface.The controller 242 then coordinates with the television interface 232.In response thereto, the television interface 232 overrides the contenton the screen of the television to display the record on the television.

Medical Emergency Interface

In certain implementations, the controller 242 determines whether theuser has pressed an emergency button (e.g., a nurse call button) on theremote control. If so, then the controller 242 routes the signal to themedical emergency interface 236, which issues an alert based on thesignal as described more fully with regard to FIG. 1. The medicalemergency interface thus includes physical hardware necessary tocommunicate with the controller 242, and also to communicate to at leastone medical response unit. This may be as simple as having a hardwarenecessary to sound a buzzer, turn on a light, initiate an alarm, etc. Inmore complex configurations, such as may be present in hospitals,nursing homes, assisted living communities, etc., the medical emergencyinterface 236 includes hardware necessary to interface withcorresponding emergency call/response systems. Alternatively, and/oradditionally, the medical emergency interface 236 can trigger actions tocommunicate over the Internet (e.g., via the network interface 238),make automated telephone calls (e.g., via the telephone interface 240),etc.

For example, if the interactive media device 220 is located in a nursinghome with a local medical response unit (e.g., a nurse's station) (118,FIG. 1), then the medical emergency interface 236 will interfacedirectly with the local medical response unit 118 to issue an alert(including the location of the user) to the nurse's station when theuser presses the emergency button. In such a situation, the interactivemedia device 220 supplements an already existing medical response unit,because in many situations, the remote control may be closer to the userthan a dedicated, wired emergency button, so the user may issue thealert quicker and easier in an emergency.

In a first example configuration, the medical emergency interface 236 iselectronically operative to issue an alert by sending the alert to alocal emergency response device such as the local medical response unit118 (FIG. 1) via a wired connection. Alternatively, the medicalemergency interface 236 is electronically operative to issue the alertby sending the alert to the local emergency response device via awireless connection. Regardless of whether wired or wireless, in anexample configuration, the medical emergency interface 236 iselectrically operative to issue the alert by sending the alert to aremote emergency response device over the Internet via the networkinterface.

As another example, if the interactive media device 220 is located in aresidential home, then the medical emergency interface 236 may use thenetwork interface 238, the telephone interface 240, a combination ofinterfaces within the interactive media device 220, etc., to issue thealert to one or more remote medical response units (e.g., a device of anemergency response team, a hospital, a device of a person to be reachedin case of emergency, etc.).

Network Interface

The network interface 238 includes hardware that serves as a bridge fromthe controller 242 and other interfaces of the interactive media device220 to a network, e.g., network 104 (FIG. 1). In this regard, thenetwork interface 238 performs network traffic processing. As such, thenetwork interface 238 can be used by any component of the interactivemedia device 220 that need access to a network, e.g., the Internet.

This communication pathway can run bi-directionally, e.g., allowing themedia service provider 114 of FIG. 1 to remote log into the interactivemedia device 120, 220 to set up, program, update, modify or otherwiseperform maintenance, improvements upgrades, downgrades, etc., to thecapabilities of the interactive media device 120.

Telephone Interface

The telephone interface 240 includes hardware that communicates with thecontroller 242. Moreover, the telephone interface 240 includes hardwarethat converts and translates information processed by the controller 242and external telephony components, e.g., by coupling to a telephonesystem (landline, cellular, or both) to transmit and receive data. Thus,the telephone interface 240 may communicate with telephones 128 (FIG.1), an internet to phone bridge 108 (FIG. 1), other telephony devices,an intercom, combinations thereof, etc. For example, when a call isreceived, the telephone interface 240 may decode a caller ID portion ofthe call. The controller 242 then coordinates with the televisioninterface 232 to cause the television interface to override a portion ofthe signal to the television to display the caller ID on the screen.Further, the telephone interface 240 may include a voicemail repositorythat provides a transcript of the voicemail for users that may behearing impaired. Once the user accesses the voicemail, the televisioninterface 232 displays the transcript while the voicemail is beingplayed.

Moreover, when a user makes an outgoing call, the telephone interface240 may detect an encoded pattern (e.g., *123) and route the outgoingcall based on the pattern, similar to a speed dial function.

The Controller

The controller 242 includes a processor coupled to memory. The memorycan cause the processor to execute program code to carry out thefunctions described more fully herein. The controller 242 can alsointeract with local memory to store user interactions with theinteractive media device 220, e.g., to record button presses, storechannels viewed, times viewed, store a viewing history of interactionsacross the network 104, discover whether there are static channels, etc.Such information can periodically be communicated to the media serviceprovider 114.

Example Remote Control:

Turning now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a remote control 300 (equivalentto the remote control 124 of the interactive media system 130 of FIG.1), with less buttons than a standard remote control is shown. Thesimplified remote control 300 includes a power button 302, up and downvolume control buttons 304, 306, up and down channel buttons 308, 310,and simple DVR buttons: rewind 312, forward 314, play 316, and pause318.

In addition, the simplified remote control 300 includes an emergency(i.e., “Help”) button 320. Notably, residents at a retirement communityusually have access to Ecall systems via pull cords and or pendants.However, if the individual needs emergency assistance, that individualeither need to be wearing their pendant (many take them off and leavethem elsewhere) or they have to be near a pull cord. The pullcords aretypically located in a bath room or bed room. So in the case of anemergency, if the individual is not near the pull cord, that individualwould have to crawl to the pull cord to pull it.

Also, many residents spend time in their apartments watching television.When they are watching TV, their remote is nearby. If an individualneeds emergency assistance while watching TV, the individual does nothave to go find their pendant or crawl to a pull cord if using thesystems herein. Rather, the individual can just press the emergencybutton on their remote which will summons emergency assistance.

The remote control also includes a menu button 322 so the user mayaccess menus of the device (220 FIG. 2). For instance, the menu button322 can be utilized to access the graphical user interface, e.g.,implemented by the controller 242 of the interactive media device 220,described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Once the graphical userinterface is launched on the television screen, the user can use theremote control to navigate the features of the graphical user interface.The remote control yet further can include a synchronization button 324that is used to synchronize the remote control 300 with the interactivemedia device (220, FIG. 2) and learn functionality of buttons on otherremote controls (associated and/or not associated with the system 130).As indicated above, when a user presses any of the buttons on the remotecontrol, a wireless signal is sent to the interactive media device,where the signal is received by the remote control interface anddecoded.

Further, the simplified remote includes an indication light-emittingdiode (LED) 326 that flashes whenever the user has pressed any button.Moreover, each side of the remote control 300 includes a grippingmechanism 328, 330 that makes the simplified remote control 300 easierto grip.

As such, the remote control 300 has fewer buttons than standard remotecontrols, yet provides the functionality expected by typical users. Theremote control 300 is easy to hold due to the relatively smaller formfactor enjoyed because of the reduced number of buttons. The remotecontrol 300 also includes easy grip features on each side of the remotecontrol 300.

By facilitating tight coupling between the media service provider 114and the interactive media device 120, 220, a user can get thefunctionality of the remote programmed for them without programmingthemselves. For instance, by dialing a preset number on the telephone128, or by otherwise contacting the media service provider 114, themedia service provider 114 can program the remote control functionalityfor the user. Moreover, a concierge service provided by the mediaservice provider 114 can facilitate programming for the user so that theuser is removed from the technical implementation details ofprogramming. This frees the user to enjoy the use of the interactivemedia device 120 without understanding how to program it.

Example Favorites Setup:

FIG. 4 illustrates how the favorite channels are set up within thetelevision interface of the interactive media device 120, 220 (FIG. 1and FIG. 2). Basically, a user calls a remote customer service agent viathe telephone 128 or any other telephone, or via on-line interaction,and indicates which channels should be included in a set of favoritechannels. The customer service agent enters the set of favorite channelsfor the user to be stored in the user's interactive media device 120,220. Then the media service provider 114 sends the favorite channels tothe interactive media device 120 through the network 104 to the networkinterface 222, so the favorite channels may be stored in the interactivemedia device for access by the television interface 232, e.g., via alist or lookup table 402. Creating a set of favorite channels allows auser to navigate a small number of channels without a requirement fornumbered buttons on the remote control, so the user does not need tospend time navigating through channels that the user does not careabout. For example, referring to FIGS. 1-4 generally, assume a user iswatching television channel 45. The user pushes the channel up button308 (FIG. 3) on the remote 300 (FIG. 3) (or remote 124 of FIG. 1) andthe television channel changes directly to channel 23. If the userpushes the channel up button 308 on the remote again, the televisionchannel changes directly to channel 7. If the user pushes the channel upbutton 308 on the remote yet again, the television channel changesdirectly to channel 45. Thus, the table 402 creates a rolling queue ofchannel options pre-selected by the user. The ability to have thebuttons of the remote customized and customized on behalf of the user bya remote server is especially convenient for those that have difficultywith technology, e.g., elderly, impaired, handicapped, temporarilydisabled persons, etc.

Computer System Overview

Referring to FIG. 5, a schematic block diagram illustrates an exemplarycomputer system 500 for implementing the various processes describedherein. For instance, the computer system 500 (or select componentsthereof) can be integrated into the controller 242 of FIG. 2.

The exemplary computer system 500 includes one or more (hardware)microprocessors (μP) 510 and corresponding (hardware) memory 520 (e.g.,random access memory and/or read only memory) that are connected to asystem bus 530. Information can be passed between the system bus 530 andbus 540 by a suitable bridge 550. The bus 540 is used to interfaceperipherals with the one or more microprocessors (μP) 510, such asstorage 560 (e.g., hard disk drives); removable media storage devices570 (e.g., flash drives, DVD-ROM drives, CD-ROM drives, floppy drives,etc.); I/O devices 580 (e.g., mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer,scanner, etc.).

The illustrated network adapter 590 can implement the network interface238 (FIG. 2) or serve as a connection bridge to a separate hardwareimplementing the network interface 238.

The above list of peripherals is presented by way of illustration, andis not intended to be limiting. Other peripheral devices may be suitablyintegrated into the computer system 500.

The microprocessor(s) 510 control operation of the exemplary computersystem 500. Moreover, one or more of the microprocessor(s) 510 executecomputer readable code that instructs the microprocessor(s) 510 toimplement the computer-implemented processes herein. The computerreadable code may be stored for instance, in the memory 520, storage560, removable media storage device 570 or other suitable tangiblestorage medium accessible by the microprocessor(s) 510. The memory 520can also function as a working memory, e.g., to store data, an operatingsystem, etc.

The processes herein may be implemented as a machine-executable processexecuted on a computer system, e.g., one or more of the processingdevices 102 of FIG. 1, the controller 242 of the interactive mediadevice 220 (FIG. 2), combinations thereof, etc. Processes herein canalso be implemented, at least in part, on a particular computing devicesuch as the interactive media device 220 described with reference toFIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In this regard, the processes herein may beimplemented on a computer-readable storage device (e.g.,computer-readable storage hardware) that stores machine-executableprogram code, where the program code instructs a processor to implementthe described process. The processes herein may also be executed by aprocessor coupled to memory, where the processor is programmed byprogram code stored in the memory, to perform the described method.

In implementing computer aspects of the present disclosure, anycombination of computer-readable medium may be utilized. Thecomputer-readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium, acomputer-readable storage medium, or a combination thereof. Moreover, acomputer-readable storage medium may be implemented in practice as oneor more distinct mediums.

A computer-readable signal medium is a transitory propagating signal perse. More specifically, a computer-readable signal medium does notencompass a computer-readable storage medium.

A computer-readable storage medium is a tangible device/hardware thatcan retain and store a program (instructions) for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device,e.g., a computer or other processing device set out more fully herein.Notably, a computer-readable storage medium does not encompass acomputer-readable signal medium. Thus, a computer readable storagemedium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitorysignals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagatingelectromagnetic waves through a transmission media.

Specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readablestorage medium include the following: a hard disk, a random accessmemory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM), Flash memory, a portable computer storagedevice, an optical storage device such as a compact disc read-onlymemory (CD-ROM) or digital video disk (DVD), or any suitable combinationof the foregoing. In particular, a computer-readable storage mediumincludes computer-readable hardware such as a computer-readable storagedevice, e.g., memory. Here, a computer-readable storage device andcomputer-readable hardware are physical, tangible implementations thatare non-transitory.

By non-transitory, it is meant that, unlike a transitory propagatingsignal per se, the contents of the computer-readable storage device orcomputer-readable hardware that define the claimed subject matterpersists until acted upon by an external action. For instance, programcode loaded into random access memory (RAM) is deemed non-transitory inthat the content will persist until acted upon, e.g., by removing power,by overwriting, deleting, modifying, etc.

Moreover, since hardware comprises physical element(s) or component(s)of a corresponding computer system, hardware does not encompasssoftware, per se.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Having thus described the invention of the present application in detailand by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a remote control interface that receives wirelessly transmitted signals from a corresponding remote control, the remote control interface configured to receive: a first wireless command issued from the remote control in response to a user selection of an emergency button on the remote control; a second wireless command issued from the remote control in response to the user selection of at least one television station selection button on the remote control; a medical emergency interface that issues an alert over a network to a medical response unit, where the alert is issued responsive to receipt of the first wireless command by the remote control interface; a television interface that issues instructions to an associated television receiver to select a channel according to previously programmed favorite channel options, responsive to receipt of the second wireless command by the remote control interface; and a network interface that communicably couples the device to a remote media service provider via a network, wherein the network interface enables the remote media service provider to program customized functionality of the alert by the medical emergency interface and customized television channel options of the television interface of the device on behalf of a user that is incapable of programming functionality of the device independently.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the medical emergency interface is electronically operative to issue the alert by sending the alert to a local emergency response device via a wired connection.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the medical emergency interface is electronically operative to issue the alert by sending the alert to a local emergency response device via a wireless connection.
 4. The device of claim 1 further comprising a controller and a monitor interface electronically connected to the controller, wherein: the monitor interface receives a message via the network interface; and the television interface overrides the content on the screen of the television to display the message on the screen of the television.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the medical emergency interface is electrically operative to issue the alert by sending the alert to a remote emergency response device over the Internet via the network interface.
 6. The device of claim 4, wherein the monitor interface couples to an emergency medical record repository so as to be able to access medical records associated with the user.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein: the monitor interface receives a medical record from the emergency medical record repository via the network interface; and the television interface overrides the content on the screen of the television to display the record on the screen of the television.
 8. The device of claim 6, wherein the monitor interface: electronically couples to at least one local medical device; receives medical information about the user via at least one local medical device; and sends the medical information about the user to the emergency medical record repository via the network interface.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the television interface is further programmed to include a subset of available channels to allow the user to skip unwanted channels.
 10. The device of claim 1 further comprising a controller and a wired telephone interface electronically connected to the controller, the wired telephone interface integrating telephone communication though the device.
 11. The device of claim 1 further comprising a controller and a cellular telephone interface electronically connected to the controller, the cellular telephone interface integrating telephone communication though the device.
 12. The device of claim 1 further comprising a controller, wherein: the controller further implements a graphical user interface for the display of information on the screen of the associated television, the graphical user interface configured to provide a graphical version of the emergency button on the remote control, which when virtually actuated, causes the controller to issue an alert through the medical emergency interface.
 13. A device comprising: a remote control interface that receives wirelessly transmitted signals from a corresponding remote control, the remote control interface configured to receive: a first wireless command issued from the remote control in response to a user selection of an emergency button on the remote control; a second wireless command issued from the remote control in response to the user selection of at least one television station selection button on the remote control; a medical emergency interface that issues an alert over the network to a medical response unit, where the alert is issued responsive to receipt of the first wireless command by the remote control interface; a television interface that issues instructions to an associated television receiver to select a channel according to previously programmed favorite channel options, responsive to receipt of the second wireless command by the remote control interface; a network interface that communicably couples the device to a remote media service provider via a network, wherein the network interface enables the remote media service provider to program customized functionality of the device for the user, including programming the alert and programming the favorite channel options on behalf of a user that is incapable of programming functionality of the device independently; a monitor interface that electronically communicates across the network via the network interface; and a controller connected to the remote control interface, the medical emergency interface, the television interface, the network interface, and the monitor interface, to control operation of the device.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the monitor interface: electronically communicates with a local medical device; receives medical information about the user via the local medical device; and sends the medical information about the user to an emergency medical record repository.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the monitor interface sends the medical information about the user to the emergency medical record repository via the network interface.
 16. The device of claim 13, wherein: the monitor interface receives a message via the network interface; and the television interface overrides the content on the screen of the television to display the message on the screen of the television.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the message comprises a medical record that the monitor interface receives from an emergency medical record repository via the network interface.
 18. The device of claim 16, wherein: the received medical record indicates that the user should perform a task; the television interface overrides the television to display the task on the television; and the monitor interface sends an indication to the emergency medical record repository that the task has been completed based on feedback from the user.
 19. The device of claim 16, wherein: the monitor interface couples to a local medical device; the received medical record indicates that the user should perform a task using the local medical device; the television interface overrides the television to display the task on the television; and the monitor interface sends an indication to the emergency medical record repository that the task has been completed based on feedback from the local medical device.
 20. A device comprising: a remote control interface that receives a wireless signal from a corresponding remote control, the remote control having an emergency button that upon actuation, causes the remote control to issue a first wireless command as the wireless signal; a controller electronically connected to the remote control interface, where the controller decodes a representation of the wireless signal received by the remote control interface to determine select one of: whether a user has pressed the emergency button by identifying the first wireless command; and whether a user has pressed a button of the remote control to control an associated television; a television interface electronically connected to the controller, where the television interface issues an instruction to the associated television in response to the controller determining that the user has pressed a button of the remote control to control the associated television, wherein the instruction is based on a translation of the wireless signal to a corresponding television adjustment command; a medical emergency interface electronically connected to the controller, where the medical emergency interface issues an alert in response to the controller determining that the user has pressed the emergency button; and a network interface that communicably couples the device to a remote media service provider via a network, wherein the network interface enables a remote media service provider to access the device and program customized functions of the device on behalf of the user that is incapable of programming functionality of the device independently. 